Example of a large eclectic master medium tone wood floor bedroom design in San Francisco with gray walls and no fireplace

A Koi pond with water lilies and oxygenators.
Design ideas for a large asian partial sun backyard stone formal garden in Boston.

Inspiration for a small traditional full sun backyard stone water fountain landscape in Orange County.

Mountain style staircase photo in San Diego

This version of Amuneal’s Collector’s Shelving Unit features solid machined brass fittings and posts with a wire mesh surround in a warm brass finish. The unit mounts to the wall to support a series of easily adjustable glass shelves. All of our Collector’s Shelving Units are fabricated in Amuneal’s Philadelphia-based furniture studio and can be customized as required for residential and commercial spaces.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun front yard gravel water fountain landscape in Detroit.

When I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.” This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat. The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings. Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up. The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation. When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space. Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.

Stained concrete floor hand painted
Inspiration for a modern family room remodel in Orange County

Carol Lindsay Sedum and Baby's Tears Groundcovers soften stone steps.
Design ideas for a rustic landscaping in Portland.

Wall Cladding Stone by 'Ancient Surfaces' Product: 'Atlantis' Wall Cladding Stone Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The 'Atlantis' Limestone Wall Cladding selection is unique golden blend limestone, rare in it's hardness and beauty. This stone put you right on the shores of the Adriatic coast gives you a feel of timelessness allowing you to travel back in time into the untouched North Mediterranean domains of fallen Empires and ancient bustling coastal trading villages, where a mercantile class have built some of the most luxurious estates out of the breath taking local stone blocks all along the shoreline of Southern Europe. This exclusive 'Ancient Surfaces' stone wall cladding blend might just be the missing link needed to transform your home from a logging space to your dream space...

LightScape Transformation of Magnolia Tree with Volt Infiniti Spot light. Photo courtesy of Janie Jones Photography
Photo of a small transitional full sun side yard mulch driveway in Kansas City.

This pond is just part of a large backyard project envisioned by the homeowner. He wanted to dedicate the backyard, 3+ acres, to the memory of his deceased wife after her battle with cancer. The 25'x30' pond with a soothing 75' meandering stream was installed in the spring of 2013. The dedication 'Park' will host walking paths, sitting areas as well as native plants for visitors old and young. Photos by; Dan Put

Custom Surface Solutions (www.css-tile.com) - Owner Craig Thompson (512) 430-1215. This project shows the remodel of a small 1950's vintage home master bathroom. 8"" x 18" Calcutta gold marble tile was used on the shower walls and floor wall base and ceramic gray penny tile on the floor. Shower includes curbless pan / floor, dual shower boxes, frameless glass slider, trough duel fixture sink and chrome fixtures.

Landscape Fusion
Inspiration for a coastal patio remodel in Tampa

front courtyard koi pond. slate tile veneered and waterfall. cobalt blue stucco accent wall.
Patio vertical garden - small mediterranean courtyard tile patio vertical garden idea in Los Angeles with no cover

Example of a mid-sized urban attached garage design in San Francisco

Cottage basement photo in Philadelphia